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West African Dance

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Middle Eastern Dance

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Hand Drumming Classes

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West African Drumming Classes for Children

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Culture Through Ballroom Dance

The focus of this program is to develop a positive foundation in children by building confidence, self-esteem, and interactive social skills through the artistic expression of Ballroom Dance. Our curriculum based arts-in-education in-school residencies give children the opportunity to learn the artistic components of ballroom dances of various cultures. In the process, they also learn etiquette, teamwork, and respect for others. This program was designed and developed by Dr. Will Adams. For more information email us at music@traditionalmusicsociety.org.

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TMS Awarded 2011 Lighton Prize by Kansas City Young Audiences

TMS Lighton Award

Our Mission

The Traditional Music Society is an arts-in-education organization devoted to the development of community cohesiveness through the study of music and dance from many world cultures, particularly West Africa, Brazil, Central America, and the Caribbean. Using these cultural art forms we are able to improve, self-esteem, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, cognitive skills as well as addressing risky behavior in undeserved children and young adults from the urban core of Kansas City Missouri.

Our Method

Through music, we help students to develop fine motor skills by teaching the different hand positions for playing certain percussive instruments and how various tones are derived. Students are taught rhythmic patterns and how they are assembled to create polyrhythm, which in turn cultivates good listening skills. Students also learn the interrelationship of all the instruments and how they are dependent on each other to create the ensemble sound.

In dance we teach posture, body awareness, balance, and coordination. We show the basis for rhythmic dance in relationship to the music. The concept of imagery and how it reflects sociological customs provides students with a true sense of self-expression.

Instructors

West African, Caribbean, & Brazilian Music
Bird Fleming
Afro-Cuban Music
Patrick A. Conway
Middle Eastern Drumming
Allaudeen Ottinger
Middle Eastern Dance
Kimberly Guanciale
West African Dance
Terri Brown

Programs

Lectures & Demonstrations
Music & Dance Seminars
Scholarship Program
Educational Resource Center
Career Development
Team & Staff Development
Consulting
Classes & Workshops
Elementary, Middle & High Schools
Colleges & Universities
Health & Fitness Facilities
Community Centers